TO THE BRENTWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT
BRENTWOOD, NEW HAMPSHIRE
The Brentwood School Board met on Monday, January 8, 2007, at the Swasey Central School, Brentwood, New Hampshire.
PRESENT: Anne Marie Chesno (Chairperson), Elizabeth Faria, Tim Hannan, Virginia Knutson (Vice Chairperson), School Board Members; Jerry Frew, Assistant Superintendent; Joan Ostrowski, Principal.
ABSENT: Michael Johnson.
ALSO PRESENT: Bruce Fielding, Jason Clark, Amy Wilson, Residents.
CALL TO ORDER
Ms. Chesno called the meeting to order at 6:08 p.m.
All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.
(Ms. Faria arrived at 6:09 p.m.)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Ms. Chesno called for approval of the minutes of December 11, 2006, public, and nonpublic sessions.
The minutes of the public session were reviewed. Misspellings were pointed out, enrollment figure corrected to 403 students, and reference Swasey as a rural school, were suggested as changes. Mr. Hannan moved to accept the minutes, as corrected; seconded by Ms. Faria and voted unanimously.
The minutes of the nonpublic session were reviewed, and accepted, on a motion by Ms. Knutson; seconded by Mr. Hannan, and voted unanimously.
Ms. Chesno called for approval of the minutes of the special session of December 21, 2006. Mr. Hannan moved to accept the minutes as submitted; seconded by Ms. Knutson, and voted unanimously.
REPORT FROM THE CHAIR
(Nonpublic Session)
Ms. Chesno introduced Bruce Fielding, who conducted the security audit at the school. Mr. Fielding distributed, to the board, recommendations to augment security at the school.
To discuss the specifics of the security audit, at 6:17 p.m., under RSA 91-A:3 II, [ i ] the board moved into nonpublic session on a motion by Ms. Knutson; seconded by Mr. Hannan; and a unanimous roll call vote. The board returned to public session at 7:17 p.m. on a motion by Ms. Faria; seconded by Mr. Hannan, and a unanimous roll call vote.
Ms. Chesno asked Principal Ostrowski to review the report submitted by Mr. Fielding, and to return to the next meeting with recommendations for the board to consider. Board members gave their input on recommendations in the report, and suggested changes to be implemented.
REPORT FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Ms. Ostrowski reported that the total enrollment was 406 students. There was one tuitioed preschooler.
The Brentwood Budget Committee was given the budget approved by the school board on December 21, 2006.
She discussed, with the board, a request from B.R.C. to install, on a temporary basis, aluminum players benched near the ball field on the school property. Primex, the school insurance carrier, stated, “These benches should be fine and aren’t typically anchored down; and should be placed on relatively flat ground.” She asked for direction from the board. Mr. Hannan was concerned with safety. Chairperson Chesno requested that Mr. Hannan talk with B.R.C., and work with Ms. Ostrowski on making a decision.
Ms. Ostrowski’s written report listed upcoming school activities through February 15.
Ms. Ostrowski informed the board that UNH Cooperative Extension Rockingham County 4-H has requested to use the school and premises, including the cafeteria, kitchen, foyer, bathrooms, lobby, walkways and parking lots for a food festival on Friday, February 9th, from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. On that day the B.R.C. has reserved the same areas for basketball practices and games. It was the consensus that the B.R.C. has first priority, in this situation. Ms. Ostrowski will contact the Cooperative Extension.
REPORT FROM THE CENTRAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATION
Financial Report
Mr. Frew distributed the Financial Statement and explained that the challenges remained in the special education line. Principal Ostrowski was keeping a flat line on spending. The board asked for clarification on Equity Aid Figures; Mr. Frew provided that information.
PROGRESS ON SAU GOALS
Mr. Frew explained that review of each SAU goal is addressed on his handout, and asked the board to review them for a future discussion.
Mr. Frew referred to the Brentwood School Board Goals. The consensus was that the board was comfortable with the goals listed. Mr. Hannan had questions on the “Open communication with residents” statement, which was listed. There was a brief discussion.
There was a brief discussion of the meeting schedule of the Joint Board, which meets in October, December, February, and May. Future meeting of the Joint Board will be held at the high school. Mr. Frew said, also, that the Cooperative Board meetings are going to be held at the high school in the Morrisette Alumni Area.
A draft of the SAU calendar, proposed for 2007 / 2008, was discussed. Mr. Frew said that this calendar was not adopted by the Chairs. The Chairs are meeting a week from tomorrow, and they have asked that the calendar be brought to each local board meeting for approval. Vacations, listed, are not with Massachusetts or with Maine. There was a brief discussion of early release days being added. Ms. Knutson moved; seconded by Mr. Hannan, to accept the proposed calendar for SAU 16.
Mr. Frew reported that there were 22 fourth and fifth graders enrolled in the after school music ensemble.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Jason Clark asked if there were handouts available, especially around budget issues. Ms. Ostrowski said that this will soon be on the website. Ms. Chesno and Principal Ostrowski told of some adjustments and cuts made to the budget, and that there is a 6.6% increase.
NONPUBLIC SESSION
Ms. Faria distributed the superintendent evaluation document for board members to complete, and at 8:02 p.m. the board moved into nonpublic session under RSA 91-A:3 II [a] to complete the evaluation.
The board returned to public session at 8:26 p.m. on a motion by Ms. Knutson; seconded by Ms. Faria, and all members in favor.
Ms. Ostrowski updated the board on the funeral arrangements for Mrs. Rand, former Swasey School teacher.
At the request of Mr. Hannan, Ms. Ostrowski gave a brief summary of the staffing implications of the proposed 2007 / 2008 budget.
ADJOURNMENT
At 8:31 p.m. Mr. Hannan moved to adjourn; seconded by Ms. Faria. All were in favor.
Submitted by Mary Lou Clinton-Stevens